Today’s Reading, Revelation 4-8
Focal Scripture: Revelation 5:5 “Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Things are different on a team when you have someone who excels more than anyone else. These are called generational talents and they transcend teams and organizations. There are a few people that I have witnessed in my life that exceed expectations like this on a sports team. I think of Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Deion Sanders who changed not only their sport but the culture at large. They came in and conquered their sports world in a way that was unprecedented. They influenced culture by their attitude and their charisma. Everything changed just because they existed on that team.
In today’s reading John sees a vision when he is transported into heaven. In this vision the angels are looking for someone who is worthy to open the scroll. In their search they can’t find one person who is worthy. When John hears this news he begins to weep bitterly. Then he is told news from one of the elders when he tells him” the Lion from the tribe of Judah has conquered and is able to open the scroll and the seals.” Jesus is the only one found to be worthy for this task. Jesus transcends everything and accomplishes what nobody else can even think about doing.
Who do you say Jesus is? In my encounters with people I usually get one of these responses about Jesus.
- He was a good man
- He taught morals
- He didn’t really exist
- He changed culture
- He is the reason people go to hell
- He is the reason people go to heaven
They have a view of Jesus that is neither correct nor biblical. They see him as just a man with no real power or consequence. However, as believers we know different. Jesus is worthy because of his sacrifice. The scene in heaven must have been awe inspiring for John to see. John saw a person like a slaughtered lamb and he took the scroll. As soon as he did he was worshipped by everyone. Why was he worshipped? Because he was slaughtered and purchased the people by his blood. He did the impossible.
So what about you? Do you worship Jesus in this way? One thing is for sure in our church culture, we misrepresent Jesus. He is a conquering king, worthy of all praise and honor. The only one who is worthy to be worshipped for all eternity. We can reflect this in speech and our attitudes.
When we worship the Lion of the tribe of Judah we acknowledge his rightful place. It will change our thinking and our hearts.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Revelation 9-11
